Craigton Woods in pictures

Craigton Wood contains some very large, mature trees including a Wellingtonia, which can be seen on the left.

Other tree species include Sycamore, Goat Willow, Yew, Scots Pine, Oak, Large-leaved Lime, Beech, Ash, Silver Birch, Larch, Holly, Horse Chestnut, Sweet Chestnut, Norway Spruce, Elder, Hawthorn, Hazel, and a variety of more ornamental species.

A number of different fern species can be found, particularly in the vicinity of the boundary wall. They include Wall Rue, Lady Fern, Male fern, Maidenhair Spleenwort, Broad Buckler Fern and Brittle Bladder Fern.

More pictures can be seen in the

Craigton Woods gallery

Craigton Woods potential development

The final draft of the East Dunbartonshire Local Plan 2 is now available for public comment.

It is important that residents realise there has been an approach from the owners of Craigton Woods to change the status of this area from an area of green belt and local conservation site with tree preservation orders and an important wildlife corridor and open space. Should the designation of this area change, this would then allow them to sell the land to developers, which would eventually lead to planning applications being submitted to build housing in this area.

This area is designated as an area of local interest and has an abundance of important trees and wildlife and many residents have indicated that they would like the status of the area maintained.


A map of what could be proposed in the area.

The areas surrounded in red are the areas which the owners of the wood indicated could be developed.

The location of the woods can be viewed on Streetmap

We would ask for your comments and ask that you make your feelings known by 23rd November (note changed date), by writing to:

The Planning Dept.
East Dunbartonshire Council
The Triangle
Kirkintilloch Road
Bishopbriggs
G64 2TR.

The letters must be individual, as a standard letter with a list of names in the form of a petition is only considered as one letter.

E-Mails can also be sent to: planning@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Contact can also be made through the interactive website: www.maps.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/edclp

Any other updates regarding our activities and our recent acquisition of funds to upgrade the park can be found on this blog and our website. You can also contact some of the committee by email. See details on the website - http://www.mera-milngavie.co.uk/

Residents, please complete the form on the flyer you will be receiving from us. The committee have put out this flyer without prejudice and will abide by any majority decision as a result of this consultation. You can also complete the form on the web (but please complete the form on the web or the flyer, not both)

Some facts to bring to your attention are as follows:
In 2003, when a previous proposal was made to develop the woods, Scottish Natural Heritage lodged an objection and revealed that the Craigton Wood was included in the inventory of Ancient and long established semi-natural woodland with a proven cover for at least 250Years. They said that woodland of such antiquity is scarce in the East Dunbartonshire area and forms a distinctive and important feature and as such represents a significant part of our cultural heritage locally.

Generally, the longer woodland has existed on a site the greater its natural heritage value. Look at the map. You can then visualise volume in relation to existing houses. The owners have presented this first draft. However they may be willing to enter discussions to amend this. In addition, there could be planning gain to be had for the area, for example funding for other projects, a community trust for the remaining woodland, etc.

WE NEED YOUR VIEWS ON THIS.
Please let us know them by using the form on the flyer or via the online form.

Any comments will also be noted.

Bird list, October 2009

Birds seen in the Mains Estate during October

Blackbird Black-headed gull Bluetit Carrion crow Chaffinch Coal tit Collared dove Dunnock Goldfinch Great tit Greenfinch

House sparrow Jackdaw Lesser black-backed gull Magpie Mallard Robin Rook Starling Wood pigeon Wren